A “scheduled loss award” is a benefit paid to an injured worker for the loss of use of a body part under workers’ compensation. The most prevalent scheduled loss awards are for the loss of use of a limb, an eye, or an arm.
State law determines the value of a scheduled loss award based on a percentage of the worker’s average weekly wage. The number of weeks for which the award is paid is determined by state law.
In most states, a worker who sustains an injury is eligible for a scheduled loss award and benefits for temporary total disability or permanent partial disability. In certain states, however, an injured worker is limited to a single benefit type. Learn about scheduled loss awards in workers’ compensation by reading on!
What Are Scheduled Loss Awards in Workers’ Compensation?
In general, a “scheduled loss award” is a benefit paid to a worker who has lost the use of a body part. The most frequent scheduled loss compensations are for the loss of use of an arm, a leg, or an eye.
The value of a scheduled loss award is determined by state law and is proportional to the worker’s average weekly wage. State law determines the number of weeks the award is paid. Typically, an injured worker will receive a scheduled loss award in addition to benefits for temporary total disability or permanent partial disability.
How Are Scheduled Loss Compensations Determined?
The value of a scheduled loss award is calculated as a percentage of the worker’s average weekly wage. The rate varies depending on the affected body part. In most states, for instance, an injured worker who loses the use of an arm will receive compensation equal to two-thirds of their average weekly wage.
State by state, the number of weeks a scheduled loss award is paid varies. In general, the longer a worker has been employed, the more weeks of benefits they will receive. For instance, a worker employed for at least ten years may receive benefits for up to 260 weeks.
Can A Worker Receive Both Scheduled and Unscheduled Loss Awards?
A worker may be eligible for both a scheduled loss award and an unscheduled loss award in certain instances. A non-scheduled loss award is paid for the loss of use of a body part that is not specifically listed in the state’s workers’ compensation statute. A worker who loses the use of two fingers, for instance, may be eligible for an unscheduled loss award in addition to their scheduled loss award.
What Are the Advantages Of Receiving A Scheduled Loss Award?
There are multiple advantages to receiving a scheduled loss payment:
- Scheduled loss awards help injured workers and their families.
- A scheduled loss award can help pay for medical care.
- A scheduled loss award covers vocational rehabilitation for an injured worker.
Are There Any Disadvantages to Scheduled Loss Awards?
There are several possible disadvantages to scheduled loss awards:
- The value of an award for scheduled wage loss may be less than the worker’s actual wage loss.
- The number of weeks an award for scheduled loss is paid may be less than the duration of the employee’s disability.
- In some states, an injured worker is limited to receiving either a scheduled loss award or temporary total disability, or permanent partial disability benefits.
Conclusion
In workers’ compensation, scheduled loss awards are intended to compensate an injured worker for the loss of use of a body part. These awards are based on a percentage of the worker’s wages before the injury. Contact our knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorneys at Law Offices of DYS by calling (310) 473-2355 to learn how scheduled loss awards may impact your workers’ compensation case.
